Photographic Camera

Year: 1942
Manufacturer: Officine Galileo – Florence
Materials: brass, optical glass
Dimensions: Diameter 360 mm

An example of ingenuity and precision, the photographic camera represents a precious element of the history of astronomical observation.

Made in 1942 by the Officine Galileo in Florence, the photographic camera is a historical instrument designed to be used with the Galileo telescope in Asiago, in both Newton and Cassegrain optical configurations.

It supported 9 x 12 cm photographic plates and allowed adjusting poses, rotation and focus thanks to a system of sliding eyepieces, a special shutter, and a motorized diaphragm. It was also possible to apply filters to obtain images in different bands.

The versatility of the instrument included the possibility of replacing the camera with an eyepiece holder plate for visual observations, using a series of specific eyepieces for the different configurations.